Serve this easy spinach artichoke dip warm — it’s ideal for cold weather. This stovetop version comes together fast and saves oven time and energy. Ready in under 10 minutes!
This classic spinach and artichoke cheese dip is quick to make with pantry and freezer staples. Because it’s served hot, it’s a comforting choice for winter entertaining — perfect alongside toasted bread or as part of a nibbles platter.
What makes this recipe especially convenient is that it’s cooked on the stovetop instead of baked in the oven, so you can have melty, creamy dip in minutes.
Ingredients in artichoke and spinach dip
The main ingredients are spinach and canned artichokes, rounded out with cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, sour cream and garlic.
If you prefer, you can swap some sour cream for mayonnaise, but it’s optional. Any melty cheese on hand can replace the mozzarella — regular cheddar works well too.
This dip is great for keeping a spare tin of artichokes in the pantry and frozen spinach and cheese in the freezer so you can assemble it quickly whenever you like.
To make a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream or plain yogurt; the yogurt will add a slightly tangier flavor.
Cooking with frozen spinach
Frozen spinach contains a lot of water that must be removed for the dip to have the right consistency. Thaw the spinach, place it in a sieve over a bowl or the sink, then squeeze by hand to remove excess moisture. Once drained, it’s ready to use.
Making this dip with fresh spinach
Fresh spinach works well too. Rinse the leaves, then wilt them in a frying pan over medium heat using the water clinging to the leaves. After they’ve wilted, cool, chop and squeeze out any excess moisture just as you would with thawed frozen spinach.
Cooking spinach and artichoke dip
Many recipes bake this mixture to get a browned, bubbly top. The stovetop method skips the oven and produces a smooth, hot dip much faster.
To make it on the stove: combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring often until the cheeses melt and the dip is heated through. Stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning. The whole process should take around five minutes.
What to serve with artichoke dip
This creamy dip pairs beautifully with toasted ciabatta, Turkish bread or a baguette. Slice the bread, brush lightly with olive oil and toast in a hot oven for 5–10 minutes until golden.
Crackers and vegetable sticks also work well for dipping.
Using up leftovers and reheating
This dip is versatile leftover food. It’s tasty cold the next day spread on toast or used as a sandwich spread with chicken and salad. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated through.
You can also stir the dip through cooked pasta for an easy sauce or mix it with roasted vegetables and top with extra cheese, then bake briefly to make a simple vegetable casserole to serve with meat.
Easy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This warm and cheesy dip is made on the stovetop rather than baked in the oven.
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
- 250g cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 x 250g packet frozen spinach, defrosted and squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place defrosted spinach in a sieve and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat over low–medium, stirring frequently until the cheeses melt and the dip is smooth and hot.
- Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
If you don’t have mozzarella or parmesan, use any melting cheeses you have on hand. For fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan, cool, chop and squeeze out excess moisture before using. A little grated lemon rind stirred in at the end adds a bright zing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 139
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 36mg
Sodium: 234mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on brands and portion sizes. Use your preferred calculator for precise values.